Chiltern District Council has awarded The Chilterns Dial-a-Ride (CDAR) a grant of £39,380 to purchase a new 12 seater minibus.

CDAR provides transport for those in the community, due to age, illness or disability, who are not able to use their own or public transport.

By using CDAR's personal service with trained caring drivers, these often isolated people are able to regain and then maintain social contact and independence.

Councillor Liz Walsh, Chiltern District Council Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, said: “I am delighted we are able to provide the grant to Dial-a-Ride for a new bus which offers invaluable services to our most vulnerable residents.”

The new minibus is a 12 seater with an electric tail lift and facilities for taking four wheelchairs including larger electric ones.

CDAR operates in Chiltern and Wycombe Districts, and part of South Bucks District, completing roughly 12,000 passenger journeys a year.

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A survey shows the cost of fares are no more and often less than the cost of private hire firms.

Said CDAR's Chairman David Ouvry "The new minibus will be a great boost. We have a great team of drivers, with some 20 volunteers.

"But now we need more. If you can spare say a day every two weeks or more to join our driver team, please get in touch. It's truly rewarding!"

One user of the service said: "Their door to door service, equipped with wheelchair access vehicles, has been a blessing for my wife.

"To top it all, their drivers have displayed genuine care and compassion, going the extra mile to make sure my wife travels safely to and from her medical appointments."

Delivery of the new minibus is expected this April.